2. Contact Info

3. Dealer Selection

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products together at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Each year, the Specialty Equipment Market Association attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries in the automotive, truck, SUV, marine, and RV markets. SEMA Show 2005 drew more than 50,000 domestic and international buyers through two million square feet of exhibits. The displays are segmented into 11 sections across two million square feet of exhibits including a new products Showcase featuring more than 1,400 new parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities, and much more.

Unlike our other auto show coverage, the only way to experience the one million square feet of exhibits found in the Las Vegas Convention Center is to be an industry insider, as the SEMA show is not open to the general public. Like ants to a picnic, the SEMA Show attracts industry leaders, automotive insiders, factory reps, aftermarket deities, wholesale buyers, and auto scribes, all searching for new ways to feed their hunger for all things automotive. The 2006 show is open to automotive insiders from October 31 through November 3, 2006. All others can only drive by and drool.

Each year, Motor Trend narrows its focus to official automaker project vehicles and endorsed aftermarket build-ups; they are examples of what each manufacturer considers within their realm of possibilities. Sometimes these modifications are purely fanciful vehicle buildups, and sometimes they become dealer-supported performance packages that can be optioned in at the time of purchase and included in both financing and warranty from drive-off.

Our editors have returned from Vegas and are still processing images and information for captions. Check back frequently for posts throughout the end of the week, and video segments soon after.

We’ve got SO MUCH information, we can’t fit it all into one story, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for here, be sure to check outPART TWO

With a potent, 641-horsepower LSX-based 454-cubic-inch small-block V-8 and the classic looks of the 1969 Camaro, legendary baseball player and ardent car collector Reggie Jackson has a muscle car as strong as his World Series batting record. Jackson partnered with GM Performance Parts (GMPP) and the GM Performance Division (GMPD) to build a one-of-a-kind modern muscle machine that serves as a developmental showcase for GM’s new LSX family of performance engine components.

The 454-cubic-inch small-block V-8 in “Mr. October’s” Camaro is based on GMPP’s new LSX Bow-Tie Block cylinder block and other engine components. The cast iron LSX block was designed for the creation of high-horsepower, large-displacement engines based on GM’s Gen IV small-block engine architecture. The iron block enables engine builders to use traditional displacement-enlarging techniques to create large-displacement small-block engines of 500 cubic inches or more. The engine is backed by a heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission and a sturdy 12-bolt rear axle with 3.91:1 gears.

The LSX engine in the Camaro is backed by a beefed-up Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission, and is equipped with a heavy-duty clutch to stand up to the engine’s considerable torque, channeling it via a custom aluminum driveshaft to a Detroit Speed & Engineering-built GM 12-bolt rear axle. The axle is fitted with an Eaton Detroit Locker Truetrac locking differential and 3.91 gears, which turn strengthened axles that are connected to 18-inch custom-design Budnik wheels and Goodyear high-performance rubber.

Additionally, Jackson’s Camaro features a host of custom features, including a scorching red hue sprayed by Detroit’s Trakon Kustoms. The instrument panel is fitted with carbon-fiber-face Auto Meter gauges, located in housings that mimic the angled gauge placement of the original ’69 Camaro interior. Also, the original seats were replaced with new bucket seats from a Cobalt SS re-trimmed in black leather and featuring baseball-style stitching. Pat Russell, of PJ’s Trim, hand-stitched the seats.

The front-end features a 1969-vintage Rally Sport grille, complete with “hideaway” headlamps. The body also has classic Camaro styling cues, including a cowl-induction hood and rear spoiler. Other subtle changes include the relocation of the market lights. California-based Classic Industries supplied all of the restoration parts, including new chrome trim pieces.

At the rear, a DSE “deep tub” kit is employed. The Quadra Link rear suspension, with Koni coil-over shocks, allows a narrowed rear axle to make room for the nearly 12.5-inch-wide rear tires. Matching the modern handling is an aggressive, four-wheel disc brake system from Brembo. It features large, cross-drilled rotors at all four corners, with four-piston calipers in front and four-piston calipers in the rear.

Buildup of the Camaro will be featured on Hot Rod TV on ESPN this March, with footage shot of the car’s build, engine assembly at Warren Johnson’s shop, a tour of Jackson’s collection, testing at the GM Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan, and more.

GM is looking to inject some SEMA style into its Buick line, and with vehicles like the Buick Lucerne CXX Luxury Liner by Rick Bottom Custom Motor Sports, it’s on the right track. The CXX is one of multiple Lucerne’s on GM’s SEMA stand this year.

The CXX sports a ground effects kit tacked on to front and rear fascias and rocker panels, a small deck spoiler and CXX badging. The car is sprayed in a two-tone exterior finish divided by a gold stripe for a slick, sleek two-tone effect. The Rick Bottom customizers also reduced the tire-to-fender gap and lowered the CXX’s ride height by 2.25 inches.

Under hood, the Lucerne CXX’s Northstar V-8 gets a 20-percent power bump thanks to revised ECU programming and a Corsa exhaust with noise-cancellation technology that will growl under acceleration but also quiet down when cruising.

Interior features include leather seats with perforated inserts to help the cooled-seat feature frost the britches. There’s also an audio/visual/navigation system for both drivers and passengers.

Chevrolet has partnered with the U.S. Ski Team for some time, and this specially-outfitted U.S. Ski Team Tahoe is the latest manifestation of its relationship with the team. The Tahoe’s exterior and interior trim features custom U.S. Ski Team colors and graphics. A modified luggage rack outfitted for skis and snowboards helps the team move gear more easily, as does Chevy Accessories’ tubular assist steps, tow hooks and rear fascia closeout.

Chevy makes no bones about its cozy relationship with Major League Baseball, and the 2007 Chevy Major League Baseball Suburban is a natural for the brand who loves to sing ‘baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet’ to the rooftops.

Chevy says the MLB Suburban is ‘ideal for hitting the road for far-off ballparks or spring training camps,’ but it would be just as handy, if not more so, for football tailgates. The seats are trimmed in leather and cloth, with matching door panels. Two baseball equipment bags that mimic the seating materials are also included. To make those long trips to the ballyard more comfy, the first- and second-row seats feature power lumbar massage. The vehicle is also equipped with Waeco Tropicool coolers in the first- and second-row center consoles to keep all those snacks and drinks chilled. On the entertainment front, there’s a KVH satellite TV receiver with wireless internet, a Chevy Accessories portable DVD and a Visteon gaming system. There’s also a Visteon inductive charging unit that is handy for charging cell phones, iPods or PDAs.

The all-new 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 4WD crew cab is a hard-working truck that, when equipped as a roadside assistance concept vehicle, promises can handle any emergency situation. The Roadside Assistance Silverado shows how the truck’s versatile nature can be enhanced with the addition of well-chosen accessories. High visibility is ensured with a bold yellow-and-black custom paint job. Multiple strobe lamps in the high beams, fog lamps, and reversing lamps, along with an overhead light bar and outpost strobes provide roadside safety. Bed-mounted halogen floodlamps make it easy to work with the Kohler onboard generator, Ingersoll Rand compressor, and dual battery jumper connectors. Diamond plate protects the bed and Waterloo Tool storage units contain necessary gear. A Warn 9,000-pound winch supplies pulling power and the crew cab’s rear seat has OnStar service access. The truck rides on 22-inch alloy wheels and P285/45R22 Bridgestone Dueler tires, and wears a molded brush grille guard and six-inch oval chrome tubular assist steps.

Infused with the trendsetting, custom styling cues popularized by the bike-building Teutul family, the Chevy Orange County Choppers (OCC) Silverado is the ultimate shop hauler designed to transport motorcycle engines and other components necessary to create one-of-a-kind custom choppers with the same eye-popping design flair as OCC’s own bikes.

GM Powertrain’s 505-horsepower/7.0-liter LS7 V-8 (the same engine that powers the Corvette Z06), backs up the OCC Silverado’s Sturgis-ready good looks. The engine features several racetrack-proven lightweight components and a dry-sump oiling system. A remote oil tank is mounted under the OCC Silverado’s hood to feed the engine. GMPP also supplies the valve covers. Torque from the LS7 engine is channeled through an automatic transmission and out to GM’s beefy 8.8-inch rear axle. It features an automatic-locking differential and 3.73:1 gears, which combine to put the power to the pavement and deliver an exhilarating rush of performance.

A raft of chromed chopper engines is tied down in the customized cargo bed. These elements combine with authentic Chevrolet styling cues, including custom fascias, smoothed bodywork, and a raised power dome hood to create an inspired truck.

Inside, the OCC Silverado also reflects a chopper-inspired theme with custom-tailored “Triple Black” leather seats, motorcycle-inspired gauges and chrome trim that convey the spirit of a custom bike. As with the exterior, polished billet aluminum and chrome is found throughout the cabin. The front and rear seats feature embroidered “OCC” logos; the front seats feature heating/cooling comfort. Performance takes place a little closer to the pavement, too, as the Silverado OCC bike truck is “slammed” to produce the requisite low-slung stance. The ground-hugging ride height also helps the wheels and tires fill out the fenders, for a more integrated appearance

The 2007 Ford Edge exemplifies energy and the need to hit the open road. The Edge promises to combine the capability of a sport/utility vehicle with the driving dynamics of a sports car. H&R Special Springs turns Ford‘s new crossover into the ultimate road cruiser, a vehicle meant to take you right to the “Edge.” The H&R Edge uses an H&R Sport Spring kit, Triple C camber adjustment bolts and wheel spacers to drop the body by 2 inches over the Modern Society 22×10-inch, three-piece wheels wearing Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 305/35WR22 tires. The custom Tangerine Orange paint with Pearl Ghost world graphics is accented by a blacked-out race-look hood, Camtec custom composite front-bumper light pod and Hella Celis lamps with light-emitting-diode halo effect. The 3.5-liter V-6’s special purr comes courtesy of a MagnaFlow cat-back exhaust. The interior wears Wiamea Cliffstone leather seats, door panels and headrests.

Working in conjunction with GM Design, Gravana Tuning has pushed the Saturn Sky to the stratosphere with a highly customized concept promising to deliver even more of what roadster buyers want: all-around performance and “stop-dead-in-your-tracks” design.

By adding a Hahn Racecraft 16G intercooled stage 3 turbocharger to the Sky’s 348-horsepower/2.4-liter Ecotec ported/tuned engine, the Gravana Tuning concept returns 348 horsepower and 341 lb-ft. of torque. Handling is enhanced by an adjustable Gravana coil-over-shock suspension system that can lower the vehicle by as much as 3 inches without changing the spring rate. Body roll is controlled with the addition of 25 mm front and 28 mm rear Gravana stabilizer bars. A Wilwood ‘Big Brake’ kit with massive 14-inch drilled and slotted front brake rotors with four-piston calipers provides stopping power, while a number of functional design elements serve to deliver more cool air into the engine and to extract heat from it.

GM has teamed up with open-top specialist ASC’s to peel the top off of the Hummer H3. The H3 Open Top concept features the ASC developed sliding fabric ‘Infinivu’ roof system. When the expanded opening is pulled back, it allows all of the vehicle’s occupants open sky access. In addition to the roof, Hummer has tacked numerous H3 Chrome Appearance Package items available from Hummer Accessories to the vehicle’s exterior. Inside, the primary upholstery material is lambskin leather with accent stitching.

K-Daddy Kustomz participated with Hyundai for the fourth year with a variety of vehicles, including this Azera. The understated Hyundai Azera sedan offered a different challenge for K-Daddy designers, and their chief objective was to make people ask “Is that a Hyundai?” With design elements like Specialty Design billet mirrors side air vents, shaved door handles, and custom front grille, Hyundai hopes it would be easy to confuse the Azera with luxurious European sport sedans, though the Universal Air lowered suspension, DuPont Raging Raspberry and Sandstorm Hot Hues paint scheme, leather interior, and SP Fabrication suicide rear doors give away the fact that this sedate sedan is all custom. It rides on 20-inch Konig Rolf Blix wheels wrapped in 20-inch Dunlop Sport Maxx tires. The A/V system features an Infinity sound system with two four-channel amps and two bass amps feeding four 12-inch woofers and two 8-inch woofers, as well as four 8-inch video monitors to entertain all passengers.

Mitsubishi‘s SEMA display adds special trim levels to current Eclipse coupe and Endeavor SUV models that could be available in dealer showrooms in the near future.

The Eclipse Sport Edition features several exterior enhancements including a chin spoiler, larger rear wing, and a graphic package. The aerokit and 19-inch wheels wrapped in Toyo Proxy 235/35-20 tires give the sporty coupe’s exterior a more athletic appearance, while the interior has been restyled with a black and terra cotta color scheme. The sport coupe’s Rockford Fosgate sound system features PUNCH 400-watt subwoofers, front and rear speakers, and two amplifiers for high-quality interior audio, while the intake and exhaust have been tweaked by UMS Tuning for enthusiastic performance sounds.

Mazda blurs the line between sport/utility vehicle and sportscar, with its Adrenaline Concedt presented at SEMA. This more powerful and aggressive version of Mazda’s CX-7 was designed and built by Mazda Design North America in Irvine, California, Adrenaline is Mazda’s version of a high-performance sport-crossover vehicle designed to ‘promote the essence of all Mazdas.’

Describing it as the “emotion of motion,” Mazda engineers converted the CX-7’s stock six-speed transmission to a six-speed manual mated to the same transmission found in the MazdaSpeed6 wagon. With the help of famed rallyist and drifter Rhys Millen, the Adrenaline produces 300 horsepower from its retuned engine with modified intake system, header with free-flow exhaust, repositioned intercooler and remote oil cooler, and re-plumped turbo.

Inside, the Adrenaline features leather-wrapped instrument panel, center-console iPod dock, laser-etched front and rear bucket seats, and Visteon DVD system in the headliner. Clear moonroof panels from head to spoiler increase the feeling of interior space. Outside, an integrated bike rack runs down the spine of the roof, and a gradating yellow paint theme inspired by the yellow jerseys worn by bicyclists to signify stage and overall winners, gives the vehicle a bold and bright appearance.

This SEMA head turner promises to deliver Mazda’s promise of “Zoom-Zoom,” while integrating the lines between SUV and sportscar with both practicality and fun.

Headlining the marquee of Mitsubishi’s SEMA display is the Evolander Concept. Created by the Mitsubishi Research and Design of America team in Cypress, California, the Evolander is follows an “urban performance” theme based on the 2007 Outlander, an all-new addition to Mitsubishi’s lineup that goes on sale in November. An exploratory concept, the Evolander represents the design and engineering possibilities of what could be an Outlander Ralliart production model in the future, perhaps as soon as 2009.

Giving more teeth to the Ralliart brand, the Evolander boosts the 3.0-literV-6 engine to 300 horsepower, thanks to an ATI/Roadrace Engineering Procharger system that produces 6psi of boost from its centrifugal compressor. Increased power is delivered via paddle-actuated six-speed transmission through Mitsubishi’s newest electronically controlled AWD system to 20-inch OZ wheels wrapped in high-performance Yokohama Advan ST high-performance rubber.

Powered by a 177-hp, 2.4-liter Ecotec engine with a five-speed manual transmission, no other options are available when ordering a Solstice Club Sport, but this SEMA version features all the components and safety equipment required by SCCA to make it race ready. Among the mods on the SEMA vehicle: a removable carbon fiber hardtop, rollcage, Hoosier 245/35R18 racing ties, race brakes, Sparco six-point safety harness and fire suppression system. Racetech seats, cat-back exhaust, Sparco racing steering wheel and an Orange Crush paint scheme round out the package.

All SCCA Club Racing Solstices are equipped with the Z0K Club Sport regular production order option.

Vehicle highlights

Ecotec 2.4-liter I-4 VVT

Five-speed manual transmission

Z0K Club Sport regular production order option package, which includes ABS, limited slip rear differential and FE3 suspension

With 260-hp on tap, the Pontiac Solstice GXP is pretty formidable little roadster as it is. But sprinkle a little SEMA dust onto it and it suddenly morphs into wicked-fast monster called the Pontiac Solstice GXP-R.

Unfortunately a SEMA-only vehicle (if you build it, they will come, GM), the 2.0-liter, turbocharged Ecotec for the GXP-R has been massaged to deliver 300 hp and 315 lb.-ft. of torque at 3250 rpm. An SSBC brake package featuring upgraded calipers and rotors help to stop the GXP-R in a hurry.

Custom 19-inch x 8.5-inch wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40ZR19 tires keep the GXP-R planted to the pavement, and would also likely be great for long, smoky burnouts. The vehicle also features a revised front fascia with upper inlets and recessed lower grilles, a modified air extractor, a rear fascia and a rear spoiler.

Solstice GXP-R’s exterior was sprayed in a special blue paint with mesh graphics. The exterior theme carries through to the interior, where blue accent stitching mixes with a custom bezel and trim treatment.

Scion‘s booth doubled as a modern art display featuring a customized xB embellished by painter David Choe. One of today’s most diverse and prolific artists, Choe is one of the youngest artists ever to have a solo show at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. His work has been shown on every surface from canvases to human bodies to the third world’s war-torn walls, and now covers the exterior of this Scion xB pickup truck conversion. JMI Motoring handled the extensive body modifications including structural roll-cage, fabricated front pushbar and bumpers, fabricated front and rear skid plates, overfender widebody flares, and front and rear spoilers. Visibility is improved by PIAA lighting systems and wiper blades.

Inside, passengers are belted by Team Tech Race Harnesses into Status Racing Carbon Fiber seats. The custom drum kit in the bed is courtesy of Guitar Center, but interior music is delivered by Eclipse amplifiers to Eclipse 10.0 subwoofer and front and rear speakers.

The Horizon Motorsports tC made its debut in the All Motor class in April, 2006 at the NHRA Virginia Sport Compact Nationals in Dinwiddie, Virginia. Driver Leslie DurstArmendariz ran a personal best at the NHRA Sport Compact World Finals in Pomona, California, on October 21 with an e.t. of 9.569 at 141.67 mph. Vehicle sponsors include AEM, AEBS, Royal Purple, CP Pistons, Vance & Hines, Web Cam, and Cunningham Rods.

Paul’s High Performance pays homage to Carroll Shelby and his team at Shelby American with the PHP Dragin’ Snake, a GT500 built to break performance records on the quarter-mile with modifications meant to improve straight-line performance and do what Shelby does best: Win. Paul’s added a garage full of drag racing performance items, including a Ford Racing 3.3 Supercharger unit, long tube headers, and custom 3-inch exhaust. PHP fitted a tubular “K” member, front and rear drag suspension, and custom fuel delivery system, as well as Ford Racing throttle body and mass air unit. Finally, Paul’s added Wilwood drag brakes and a PHP 10-point roll cage.

Volvo displayed three modified versions of its new C30 sport hatchback, each designed to represent what could be the ultimate dream cars for V30 enthusiasts around the world. Built purely as design concepts and prototypes, each tuner had a different take on what the C30 could become. The Evolve C30 was meant to be the ultimate street performer and track star and features bountiful examples of motorsports technology throughout.

Evolve claims horsepower is the name of the game with this sporty hatchback, with 507 stampeding horses thundering from the sequential twin turbo 2.5-liter engine paired with the T5 six-speed manual transmission. Originally a four-wheel drive vehicle, the Evolve C30 has been converted to electronically controlled all-wheel drive using Evolve/Haldex tuned software. Power is applied to the pavement via 19-inch multipiece wheels wrapped by Pirelli Pzero Rosso tires and stopped by 15-inch 14-piston front and 14.25-inch six-piston rear brakes. Exotic exhaust plumbing and an advanced heat exchanger contribute to its eye-popping performance. A sophisticated suspension includes Evolve C30-specific coilover Koni strut, adjustable for height, rebound, compression, toe, camber and caster, as well as Evolve quick height adjustment system upfront. Out back is a Evolve multi-link adjustable ladder bar suspension with pushrod actuated coil-over Koni strut, adjustable for height, rebound, compression, toe, camber and caster, also with Evolve quick height adjustment system.

Face it, for most of us, our passion for cars was fueled by the Hot Wheels we played with as children. Hot Wheels brings that passion to the streets and highways of America in full-size, with a line of products and accessories that bear the Hot Wheels name. This classic 1966 Pontiac GTO has been coated with two-tone HW Spectraflame Watermelon and PPG Sparkling Graphite, while under its sparking paintjob it’s powered by a Pontiac 421 with Ram Air 400 heads, Edelbrock Performer intake and carb, March Serpentine pulley system, MSD ignition, and ARP fasteners. Spent gasses exit via Hedman Hedders and Flowmaster exhaust. The Pontiac rides atop custom 20-inch KMC Hot Wheels 68 wheels wrapped in Nitto Tires, and benefits from an Air Ride Technologies suspension with 2-inch dropped spindles. The interior was prepped by Year One with custom gauges by Redline Gauge Works. Aural entertainment was provided by Planet Audio. Exterior paint and body work were handled by Kelley and Sons, Sata Spray Equipment, Quickcut Sanders, and G’s Autobody.

This winner of the 2006 Goodguys Street Machine of the Year wears custom designed Colorado Customs 19×10 and 20×12 two-piece wheels wrapped in Michelin 295/30/19 and 335/30/20 tires, and Red Devil Titanium brakes. The Cuda was fitted with a Corvette C6 suspension with Hyperco Coilovers and Bilstein shocks, Addco swaybars, and custom tube frame.

The name Mugen symbolizes Honda performance throughout Asia and around the globe. Mugen, under license by M-TEC Co., Ltd., of Japan, has been closely associated with Honda for decades in the design and manufacture of racing and premium performance components. The Civic Mugen Si Sedan shown here at SEMA draws inspiration from a “Formula Sport” concept, adding an aggressive dimension of performance to the Civic Si Sedan with a track-tuned suspension, aerodynamic body styling, and a performance exhaust system.

The track-tuned suspension, tested at the Twin Ring Motegi racing circuit in Japan, lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches (15mm) with highly aggressive spring and damper tuning for enhanced handling performance. The full-vehicle aero package adds a front spoiler and sports grille, side spoilers, rear diffuser, and rear wing. Lightweight Mugen forged alloy 18×7.5 wheels are shod with high-grip 215/40R18 summer tires. The sports exhaust system reduces back pressure from the catalytic converter back resulting in an enhanced power curve. Additional accoutrements include front and rear Mugen emblems along with a serial number placard on the instrument panel.

A spherical 50mm Mugen aluminum shift knob replaces the standard aluminum and perforated leather shift knob. Planned for production in a limited quantity of 500 units a year, the Civic Mugen Si will be available at U.S. Honda dealers starting in spring 2007 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than $30,000 including a full factory warranty.

As a dealer installed accessory, Honda’s in-house Honda Factory Performance (HFP) products carry the same 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as the rest of the vehicle and are designed to genuinely enhance the ownership experience. Similar to the Civic Si Coupe HFP package on sale since spring 2006, the Civic Si Sedan HFP package includes a wide range of performance- and style-enhancing products.

The HFP package for the Civic Si Sedan goes on sale in the spring of 2007 with an estimated MSRP of $3,800 plus installation (estimated at 5.6 hours). HFP components can also be purchased individually. American Honda launched its performance accessory program in 2002 with the introduction of a Honda Factory Performance package for the Civic EX Coupe.

Envisioned as an entry-level performance car, the Scorched Orange Metallic and Matte Black Fit Sport Extreme Concept features an aerodynamically styled front bumper fascia with carbon fiber components along with HID fog lights and LED daytime running lights. Large fender flares and low, aggressive side skirts accent its ultra-low profile. A rear carbon fiber diffuser with a center exhaust outlet along with an extended rear aero wing helps enhance style and high-speed downforce. The factory Japan Domestic Market rear LED taillights and side mirrors with integrated turn signals further accent the high-tech feel of the vehicle. An advanced, track-tuned suspension package lowers the Fit Sport Extreme Concept ride height and enhances the vehicle’s handling dynamics. Brembo brake components on all four wheels provide amazing levels of stopping force.

This Super Street Fit buildup is more than go, it’s totally gone with a mission to reign supreme supreme as both a car show queen and a circuit king. Clearly the darling of Honda’s SEMA display, the zippy 1.5-liter engine has been upgraded with a 2.0 from the latest Civic Si. And, since nothing exceeds like excess, the K20Z3 has been treated to a bump in displacement, boosted with a turbocharger, and squeezed with a nitrous kit, all working to produce nearly 500 horsepower! Combine that with a stripped interior, carbon fiber exterior piecdes, and custom paint, and it’s clear this Fit is meant for both show and go.

Following the theme of “urban sport,” the Sport Concept CR-V on display at the 2006 SEMA Show is designed to increase the athletic feel of the already sophisticated CR-V sport/utility vehicle. Highlights include aerodynamically styled front and rear bumpers along with a sports suspension package that lowers the Sport Concept CR-V for a customized presence. Custom 19-inch wheels are shod with Bridgestone Potenza tires (245/45R19). Interior modifications focus on the creation of a high-tech, performance-oriented driving environment with the addition of Civic Si synthetic suede fabric on the seating surfaces. Carbon fiber trim panels further accent the interior. Outside, Honda’s Sport Concept CR-V is painted in Agile Blue.

The Honda Element-D (“D” for drifting) racecar shows what can happen when enthusiastic Honda associates raid the company parts bin. Built especially for drifting, the Honda Element-D racecar replaces the stock four-cylinder/Real Time 4WD drivetrain with a custom-designed and longitudinally mounted 3.2-liter Honda V-6 and rear-wheel-drive. Producing 500 horsepower, the lightweight twin-turbocharged powerhouse is guaranteed to light up the rear tires and accelerate sideways at full opposite lock. Associates from Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in Ohio plan to campaign the Element-D in the 2007 Formula Drift Series.

Mopar used the SEMA Show to take the wraps off the Foose Hemisfear, powered by — what else — a 392 HEMI. The JL Full Throttle Hemisfear by Chip Foose is a collaborative effort between the visionary designer and RC2’s JL Full Throttle Team. The JL Full Throttle Hemisfear Coupe is a cross between a musclecar and a hot rod. It represents a concept he’s had in his sketchbook for many years and always wanted to build. Now, with the help of JL Full Throttle, his dream is coming true in its release here at the 2006 SEMA show. Foose — visionary customizer, television personality, and hot rod shop owner — purchased 50 392 HEMI crate motors to install in his new kit car project. And Chip passed out 500 special-edition replicas of the Hemisfear coupe to those SEMA attendees willing to wait in line — we’re thinking those will go for big bucks on eBay.

“Hemisfear is an appropriate name, because it’s destined to put fear in the ears of racers,” says Cortez. “When Chip saw that Mopar’s new 525-horsepower392 HEMI featured programmable fuel injection and coil-on-plug technology, he knew he found the power to breathe life into his design and bring classic HEMI engineering to a new generation.”

The Foose Hemisfear is a rear-engine vehicle that will be hand-built and sold as unfinished Hot Rod kits by Gaffoflio Family Metalcrafters, a longtime Chrysler Group design partner and Mopar supplier.

Toyota begins the celebration of its 50th anniversary in America this week, and as part of that event, brought a selection of classic Toyotas to their booth at SEMA. One gem in their collection is this 1967 Toyota 2000GT high-performance grand touring sports car, which first appeared as a prototype at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show and was introduced as a production model in 1967. Underhood is a 150-horsepower 121-cubic-inch six-cylinder DOHC engine mated to a five speed manual transmission. Only 337 were ever produced, of which only 54 were imported to North America.

A star was born when two 2000 GTs were remodeled to convertibles and featured in the 1967 James Bond film “You Only Live Twice.” Also in 1967, Toyota got its first taste of American auto racing when it joined forces with Carroll Shelby to develop a race-modified Toyota 2000 GT for campaigning in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) C-Production class.

The 1969 2000 GT was a groundbreaker as Toyota’s first true sports car. This particular right-hand-drive vehicle is one of four 1969 2000GT’s imported into the United States and is serial number 6, out of nine produced. The Production date is 12-24-69, and its original base price was $7320. The 2000 GT is undeniably one of the most sought after Japanese vehicles in the world and carries a current price tag of about $300,000. Today, the car is seen as the first seriously collectible Japanese car, the first “Japanese Supercar,” and examples change hands for fairly high prices.

Toyota’s Tacoma V-8 Incross concept truck combines several new design components and a unique color scheme with V8 power to offer a new look with added passenger room, utility, and performance capabilities. The first use of Toyota’s 271-horse/4.7-liter, i-Force V-8 engine in a Tacoma boasts 313 lb-ft of torque, which equates to plenty of motivation for the Incross. It’s equipped with Toyota Racing Development (TRD) headers and custom dual exhaust by Tube Solutions.

The Tacoma V8 Incross sports a unique look, combining the Tacoma’s Access Cab with the Double Cab’s short bed on a smaller frame. A custom front grille, bronzed headlamp treatment, and skid plate provides the Incross front end with a dynamic look. Modified fender flares and matte green paint complete the exterior modifications.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires are mounted on 17-inch American Racing Wheels. Custom Bilstein shocks help handle the added performance capabilities of the Incross.

The interior features bronze trim with seats and floor customized by Fast Ed’s Interiors and accessory pedals by Toyota, as well as an FJ Cruiser-styled steering wheel. A Gentez back-up camera, Scosche double-DIN radio bezel, and JBL Premium Audio with Toyota factory navigation system complete the interior.

The Incross is fitted for outdoor adventure with Santa Cruz Nomad mountain bikes and camping gear from Bass Pro Shops.

This 2007 Toyota “Ultimate” FJ Cruiser concept vehicle on display at SEMA was developed by Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine to be the “ultimate expedition, exploration and excitement machine” designed for off-road adventures. Virtually every aspect of the FJ Cruiser sport/utility vehicle has been re-worked to produce this “Ultimate” version. The 4.0-liter V-6 engine has been equipped with a URD centrifugal type supercharger, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission and Advance Adapters’ four-speed atlas transfer case. A Flowmaster exhaust system has also been incorporated.

An All-Pro Off-Road Custom Suspension and solid-axle conversion kit has been adopted, along with Walker Evans Racing coil over shocks. BFGoodrich 39.5-inch Krawler tires are used, along with Howe Performance ram assist steering.

The all-new 2007 Ford Edge is designed for the street. Intended for the practical customer who is looking to live on the edge, the 3dCarbon California Crossover Series is all about bold, dynamic styling. The exterior is dressed in an eight-piece 3dCarbon body kit, which includes a front air dam, side skirts, door caps, a rear lower skirt, and front fender vents. The interior is trimmed in Katzkin leather and accented by the medium smoke window tint from Sundial Window Tinting. The DVD system plays through Invision Revolution headrest monitors, a Ford-licensed product. An Eibach Springs Pro Kit drops the Edge by 2 inches over a set of NC Forged NC 5 three-piece, 22-inch wheels with floating center caps wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico tires. Custom DuPont paint and MagnaFlow stainless steel exhaust tips complete the package.

GM unveiled the unique Ecojet concept this week at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas. Developed by GM’s Advanced Design Studio and Tonight Show host Jay Leno, it is powered by a Honeywell turbine rather than a conventional engine.

EcoJet’s genesis goes back to a discussion between Leno, an avid car enthusiast and collector, and Bernard Juchli, the chief mechanic and caretaker of Leno’s expansive collection. Leno then asked Ed Welburn, GM vice president of Global Design, for design help.

Once Welburn helped sketch out the vehicle, Leno then turned to Juchli and his Big Dog team at his garage to EcoJet into a reality.

The turbine runs on biodiesel fuel, with an output of 650 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Air is fed into the turbine through a duct in the roof. The car consists of a heavily-modified C6 Z06 aluminum frame, an aluminum-magnesium chassis covered, and a Kevlar-reinforced carbon-fiber shell.

The uniquely styled concept uses design cues from production Cadillac vehicles as well as past concepts like the 2002 Cadillac CIEN.